Features

Making our first pop video in Menorca – two days of intense hard work, fun and sub-aquatic silliness. (search “You Mess Me Up Mastersounds” on YouTube). Also my 40th birthday – I threw a big party with a live room (musical turns around the piano), a disco (3 DJs, sound system, smoke machine, lights and a glitter ball), a jam room upstairs with 2 drum kits, and a photo studio. I think I was trying to recreate Jam Cruise (which we’re not doing this year) in my house.

What album or albums have you listened to this most this past year?

Billy Joel – The Stranger, and Queen – Greatest Hits Volume 1 (I tend to prefer music that has withstood the test of several decades)

What was your favorite show or tour in 2012?

As an audience member: 2/20/12 Field Music at the Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
12/1/12 Ben Folds Five at the O2 Academy, Leeds

As a performer: 11/17/12 The New Mastersounds at Cervantes Other Side, Denver

Hoping to finish making an album with the above project and start playing some shows. Plus (so far) NMS tours of Japan (Jan) and USA (Feb)

2013 marks the 40th year of Relix Magazine. Do you remember the first time you read Relix? Is there an article that stands out for you?

When The New Mastersounds first came to USA (May 2004, to open for Greyboy All Stars at House of Blues in Chicago) we stayed with our mentor Dave Vandenburg. We’d never heard of Relix or the Jam Scene, nor any of the bands who populate it. there were copies of Relix laying around in his house, and one or two framed covers on the walls. Now we inhabit that scene and many of the other bands are friends and musical collaborators.

*****

BRIANSTOLTZ – FUNKY METERS

What will you remember most about 2012?

Worrying about a lawsuit! Being involved in a horrible horrible lawsuit. Unfortunately, that’s what I can remember because there wasn’t a whole lot of music in my life.

Honestly, I haven’t seen any shows this year. I hate to say that too. I’ve been so busy, I haven’t seen any shows. I would have to say, my favorite show was Funky Meters at Tipitina’s about three weeks ago.

What emerging bands should our readers look out for in 2013?

MyNameisJohnMichael.

Any big plans in the works for 2013?

Well we got some holds on dates so we’ll be touring probably more this year than we have in the last few years. After Jam Cruise, there are a couple other shows. I believe we’re booking shows into May. Just from the looks of the holds on the calendars, it looks like we’re going to be very active this year. Much more active than the past few years. I think you’ll see us out more.

2013 marks the 40th year of Relix Magazine. Do you remember the first time you read Relix? Is there an article that stands out for you?

What a question! I just remember I’ve done quite a few of them. I remember all of mine being great. As far as anyone else, I just don’t know. You got me on that one.